Giant Dumbo snow sculpture takes over Winnipeg yard
A little bit of Disney magic combined with some Winnipeg whimsy now graces the lawn of a city home.
It comes in the form of a Dumbo snow sculpture and the talented work of two local carvers.
“He looks good in white,” said Madeleine Vrignon who created the piece along with Gary Tessier.
The piece is one in a series of snow sculptures that have appeared on the front yard of Gail Asper’s house since 2006.
Over the years they have ranged from characters like Oscar the Grouch and Spongebob Squarepants to the whole Simpsons crew on a couch. The sculptures must both be recognizable and fun to people.
“Last year we did Winnie the Pooh cause I’m a big Winnie the Pooh fan and I’m very proud of his roots to Winnipeg and it was a huge hit,” said Asper.
Asper said Dumbo decision was made in collaboration with both Vrignon and Tessier, who let the size of the snow block help guide who will appear.
A lack humidity in the snow block this year has proven challenging to the carvers because it makes the snow soft and delicate. This results in having to make less aggressive cuts and working progressively into the block to preserve the shape.
Another challenge was the sculpture’s height. Vrignon said once you get up on top it is OK, but she leaves the up and downs to Tessier.
All told they estimate it took them about 30 hours and five days days to complete, with a necessary wintery weather break in between.
“It’s just a question of getting up off the couch when it’s really cold and moving despite the winter,” said Vrignon.
“I just love it when families come by and they want to take their pictures and marvel at how incredibly lifelike it is,” said Asper.
As for next year Asper said the inspiration depends on what is popular, but don’t count out the classics either.
One thing is guaranteed. It has to be big.
“So that if you have a melt, and some years it can go to five or six degrees above, and suddenly you’re going to lose your sculpture,” Asper said.
“It brightens up the neighbourhood and we’re glad cause it lasts a couple of months,” Tessier said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator
Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.
opinion Harry and Meghan's Nigerian adventure: traditional attire to warm welcomes
For her latest column on CTVNews.ca, royal commentator Afua Hagan writes about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Nigeria, calling it a 'deeply meaningful campaign' that was about aligning their ongoing efforts to foster mental-health awareness and promoting the Invictus Games.
Ontario's need for nurses, PSWs to top 33K and 50K by 2032: document
Ontario will need 33,200 more nurses and 50,853 more personal support workers by 2032, the government projects — figures it tried to keep secret but were obtained by The Canadian Press.
No concert ticket? No problem — Swifties can still gather at 'Taylgate' in Toronto
Whether you were lucky to nab tickets to one of Taylor Swift's six sold-out Toronto concerts in November or not, a new 'fan experience' hopes to get you into the party spirit.
'Oh my God, you're my brother': Man in his 70s discovers 6 unknown siblings
After receiving a DNA kit one Christmas from his son-in-law, Hugh McCormick soon discovered that he had six unknown siblings, with whom he shared the same birth parents.
DEVELOPING Michael Cohen takes the stand as testimony in Trump hush money case enters 4th week
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.